New Beemer Thumper

NEW BEEMER THUMPER

BMW’S new F650 GS will come in two flavors: a standard street model and this limited-edition Dakar replica. Mechanical updates include a revised four-valve cylinder head, electronic fuel injection, a new frame, and underseat gas tank and mufflers. Though still manufactured by Rotax, the liquid-cooled, 652cc Single makes more horsepower and torque, but with reduced exhaust emissions. In fact, the under-engine three-way catalyst is a Thumper-first. As for the steel chassis, beefed-up frame tubes more directly link the steering head to the swingarm pivot. Whereas the previous F650 was assembled by Aprilia in Italy, the new model will be built entirely by BMW in Berlin.